A major year-long campaign to celebrate the incredible efforts of local people who work tirelessly to improve things without expecting to be paid was launched at a special event on Thursday. (27th January).
Over 100 volunteers and active citizens from across Bradford district will be joined by the Lord Mayor, Coun Peter Hill, Deputy Leader, Coun Imran Hussain and the Council’s Chief Executive, Tony Reeves to launch Active Citizens 2011 at Bradford’s City Hall.
During the event delegates will make ‘speed visits’ to each others’ tables to discuss ideas on how more people can be encouraged to become active citizens.
Young volunteers will make a special presentation about how they’ve attracted over 2500 young people aged 16 – 25 into volunteering in Bradford district in the last year.
Active Citizens 2011 has been organised by Bradford Council, NHS Bradford and Airedale and local voluntary organisations to highlight individuals and organisations who give up their spare time to make valuable contributions to the quality of life in the district.
Active Citizens 2011 will run alongside the European Year of Volunteering 2011 which seeks to encourage more people to become volunteers.
The Bradford campaign will feature volunteers but also include the thousands of community-minded residents who look out for vulnerable people and those who campaign to improve things or raise money for causes.
Active Citizens 2011 also covers residents who participate in democracy or governance and people who take part in decision making or give up their time for clubs or societies.
It is estimated that volunteers contribute over £17 million to the Bradford district economy, however this is believed to be a fraction of unpaid work done by all those who give up their spare time to make a positive difference to their communities.
The social value offered by active citizens is priceless.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Peter Hill said “Most people aren’t aware of the astonishing amount of unpaid work that’s undertaken by local citizens.
“Thankfully Bradford is blessed with many thousands of people who give something back to their communities.
“Many people get involved because they care about their communities and gain a great sense of purpose and satisfaction by knowing they are making a positive difference to people’s lives.”
Coun Imran Hussain, Executive Member for Community Safety and Deputy Leader of Bradford Council said, “The enormous contribution made by volunteers and people who are active within their communities is nothing new but it can often pass unnoticed.
“Yet these people play a significant role in making the district a better place to live. Without their efforts the district would be a much diminished place, peoples’ quality of life would deteriorate and public services would come under increased financial pressure as they attempted to plug the gaps.”
“This campaign gives us the opportunity to celebrate the ordinary people who give back to their communities without any expectation of being paid and encourage more people to become active citizens.
“Whoever you are and wherever you live you can play a part in making the district a better place.”
To find out more information about Active Citizens 2011 visit www.activecitizens2011.co.uk or email info@activecitizens2011.co.uk
27th January 2011
